Some of the Indian companies that have already announced their intention or are likely to emerge as big players include L&T, Reliance Power, state-owned NTPC, Jindal Power and the Tata Group.

“We’re already involved. We’re the only manufacturers of reactors in India now. I’m pleased with the development as a poor country like India needs energy... and crude oil is quoting at $120-130. However, some modifications in the Electricity Act are needed for the entry of the private sector,” said Larsen & Toubro chairman AM Naik.

In fact, global energy majors have been visiting India ever since the nuclear deal was proposed a year ago. Their mission: to explore the scenario for big projects and contracts before the deal goes through.

“We’ve been meeting many global energy companies in the field. We will definitely move forward when the deal is fully finalised and sealed,” Naik said.

Videocon group chief Venugopal Dhoot said it’s not only nuclear power plants, but also high-tech areas that would benefit. “About 40,000 MW of power will be available to the Indian industry, agriculture sector will be able to use a lot of this energy. Similarly, pharma and semi-conductor manufacturing companies will also gain a great deal,” Dhoot said.

The Jindals had recently gone on record, expressing their intention to get into the sector. “We want to foray into nuclear power. We are talking to global majors,” JSW Steel vice-chairman Sajjan Jindal had stated. The group is planning to either enter into a joint venture or a technology tie-up with a global major.

... contd.